PXR Activation Relieves Deoxynivalenol-Induced Liver Oxidative Stress Via Malat1 LncRNA m6A Demethylation

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a prevalent toxin causing severe liver damage through hepatocellular oxidative stress. However, the underlying mechanisms and effective therapeutic approaches remain unknown. Here, the unique role of the xenobiotic metabolism factor pregnane X receptor (PXR) in mediating DON-induced hepatocellular oxidative stress is investigated. Treatment with the PXR agonist 3-indole-propionic acid (IPA) alleviates DON-induced oxidative stress and liver injury both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, it is discovered for the first time that PXR agonist IPA directly transactivates the m⁶A demethylase FTO expression, leading to site-specific demethylation and decreased abundance of YTHDC1-bound Malat1 lncRNA at single-nucleotide resolution. The diminished m⁶A modification of Malat1 lncRNA reduces its stability and augments antioxidant pathways governed by NRF2, consequently mitigating DON-induced liver injury. Furthermore, Malat1 knockout mice exhibit decreased DON-induced liver injury, emphasizing the role of Malat1 lncRNA in oxidative stress. Collectively, the findings establish that PXR-mediated m⁶A-dependent Malat1 lncRNA expression determines hepatocyte oxidative stress via m⁶A demethylase FTO, providing valuable insights into the potential mechanisms underlying DON-induced liver injury and offers potential therapeutic strategies for its treatment.

Malat1 lncRNA; N6‐methyladenosine; deoxynivalenol; indole‐3‐propionic acid; pregnane X receptor.